Writing Process Blog Tour

Hi everyone! Today’s post is a little different than what you’re used to seeing on here. Today I’m talking about why I blog about all the delicious food that I share with you. Along with sharing my writing process, I’ve also nominated three other bloggers that I adore to continue the tour. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to learn a little more about them.

So, let’s get started. My infatuation with food blogs started a couple years ago. I remember the first time I went to a food blog, it happened to be Two Peas & Their Pod. I instantly fell in love with Maria’s bright, clean, beautiful pictures, and all those amazing recipes for cookies! I couldn’t believe there were entire websites dedicated to people talking about food, sharing stories about their lives, and taking the most beautiful, mouth watering pictures of food I had ever seen. I had always enjoyed cooking and baking, but it was at that moment that I truly started to fall in love with the idea of creating new recipes, taking pictures of my creations, and sharing them with the world. After spending that whole day looking at different food bloggers websites I knew that this was something I wanted to be a part of! In October of 2012 I wrote my first post on Recipe Runner. Looking back at my first recipe, Apple Cranberry Muffins, I am rather horrified by the pictures.  However, at the same time I am amazed by how far I have come from that first post and that makes me proud! So instead of wiping away all of those novice photos, I keep them there as a reminder to always keep pushing myself, growing, and striving to make myself better.

1. What am I working on now? Right now I’m starting to work on ideas for fall and winter recipes. I’ve been going through old family recipes, cookbooks, magazines,  and blogs. Seriously it gets a little overwhelming sometimes trying to narrow recipes down and choose which ones to share with you. I love fall and winter recipes because a lot of times it involves turning my oven on. Not only does it make the house smell amazing, but it also warms it up on cold days! As much as I love all of the summer produce, fresh salads, and grilling, I also look forward to casseroles, roasted vegetables, pumpkin pie, and anything involving apples.

2. How does my work differ from others of it’s genre? Recipe Runner is unique because not only do I get to share my favorite foods with you, but I also get to share my passion for running with you. Since a large part of my life involves running, I enjoy being able to tell others about the training I do, the injuries I battle, the joy I get when I set a new personal record at a race, and the doubts I have about myself that sometimes creep into my head before races. My goal isn’t to push others to become runners, but rather show others what I love doing in hopes that they too have something in their lives that they are as passionate about. So, that’s the running side of my blog, on to the food part. Many of the recipes I share are ones that I grew up on with slight modifications to make them a little healthier. When I make a recipe healthier I don’t go out of my way to use expensive, hard to find, or unheard of ingredients. I try to use things that anyone can find at their local grocery store. I believe in moderation of indulgent foods, not elimination. If I eliminated every scoop of ice cream, piece of cheese, or cookie from my life I would be a very unhappy person.

3. Why do I write what I do?  I write about food and running because I’m totally in love with them! It makes me happy knowing that I am sharing two of my favorite things in life (aside from my husband, family, and cats) with the world.

4. How does my writing process work? Writing next to food styling is the part of food blogging that I stress over more than anything. There are so many wonderful writers out there in the food blogging world that have found a way to captivate their readers and keep them coming back, I feel like I am still trying to find my voice. I try to write in a way that is similar to how I talk to a friend. I want my readers to feel comfortable, amused, inspired, and most of all hungry when they read what I write. Sometimes I get ideas about what to write in a blog post while I’m out on a run. I have a lot of time to think when I’m out on a 15 mile run. Other times I just sit down at my laptop, start writing without anything specific in mind, and see where it goes. Either way the goal when I write is to share delicious recipes and little tidbits about my life including running and everything else!

WRITING PROCESS BLOG TOUR NOMINEES

In order to keep the tour going, I have selected three incredible bloggers whose recipes and writing I adore! Each of them adds something special to the blogging world and I guarantee you will continue to see many great things from them throughout the years!

Bri is the girl behind the lens over at Bites of Bri. When she’s not working her 9-5 job she is whipping up delicious recipes using seasonal and fresh ingredients. Some of her latest mouthwatering creations include, Bacon, Corn, and Thyme Pizza (she had me at bacon!), these cute little Whipped Feta Heirloom Tomato Tarts , and this beautiful Peach Galette! These three recipes sound like the perfect meal to me!

Bacon, Corn, and Thyme Pizza

Zainab over at Blahnik Baker is where I go when I need a sweet tooth fix, and trust me it’s more often than you’d think! Zainab is constantly impressing me with her beautiful and creative desserts. I could seriously stare at the pictures of this Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, these Blackberry Lime Cupcakes, and this incredible Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Sundae all day long! Whew, stick a fork in me I am DONE!

Blackberry Lime Cupcakes

Last but definitely not least is Krista over at Joyful Healthy Eats. Krista is a stay at home mom creating some seriously delish dishes! I often go to her website when I’m trying to decide what to make for dinner. Her recipes are mostly healthy with a side of sweet, and her photographs make my mouth water! Check out her Sesame Lime Chicken with Spicy Peanut Sauce (I’ve made this one before and it is to die for!), this Creamy Leek Risotto with Crispy Pancetta, and these perfect for fall Pumpkin Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel Topping, YUM!!

Sesame Lime Chicken with Spicy Peanut Sauce